Mongolia becomes 57th member of the OSCE

Vienna, 21 November 2012 – As of today, the member states of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe have agreed to admit Mongolia as the 57thOSCE member state. “I regard this decision as a confirmation of the democratic development and progress made in Mongolia and I welcome the readiness of the OSCE member states to admit Mongolia to the OSCE family, which is showing its willingness to face up to new security challenges”, said Vice-Chancellor Spindelegger.

“Austria has been maintaining friendly diplomatic relations with Mongolia for many years and I have personally supported Mongolia’s application for OSCE membership from the very start. The obligations and mechanisms imposed by OSCE membership will further strengthen the democratic growth process of Mongolia and help to safeguard peace, stability and growth in the region.”

Mongolia’s admission is also a signal that confirms the relevance and attractiveness of the OSCE, which has its headquarters in Vienna, and reflects on the ability of this largest regional organisation of the United Nations to take joint decisions that have far-reaching political significance. Already, the OSCE stretches from Vancouver to Vladivostok. By admitting this up-and-coming nation, the OSCE security region is being expanded further east – a development that will be beneficial for both sides.